Scenic Loop Audio Tour

Drive the 36-mile Scenic Loop in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park with two guides along for the ride. Nora and Wes tell the stories of the Badlands as you reach each place: Roosevelt's ranching years, the wildlife along the road, the rock the road winds through. The tour is free and runs in your phone's web browser, with no app to install.

The tour is in beta. Try it, then tell the Library what works and what doesn't at hello@trlibrary.com.

A herd of bison crossing the Little Missouri River below green hills

Bison crossing the Little Missouri River in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (National Park Service)

How it works

  • Start at the South Unit Visitor Center in Medora. Mount your phone where you can see it at a glance.
  • Stories play on their own. GPS tells the tour where you are, so each story starts as you reach its place. There is nothing to tap while you drive.
  • Stop and look around. At pull-offs like Skyline Vista, Wind Canyon and Boicourt Overlook, the screen opens up with photos, short walks, a quiz and animal sounds.
  • Hear Roosevelt himself. One story plays his own voice, from a 1912 recording.
  • Drive the speed limit. The stories are timed for it. The bison aren't in a hurry either.
Start the audio tour

Before you go

  • Download the tour before you drive. Cell signal is limited in the park. Open the tour while you have Wi-Fi or service and tap Download the tour. After that it works without signal.
  • Use Safari or Chrome. The tour keeps your screen on while it runs.
  • Try it from home. Preview the drive plays the whole loop as a simulated drive.
  • Give wildlife room. Stay at least 25 yards from bison, wild horses and every other animal.
  • Check park conditions. The park charges an entrance fee, and roads can close for weather or wildlife. See nps.gov/thro before you go.

Send feedback

This is an early version, and notes from the road make it better. If a story starts in the wrong place, a photo doesn't match what you hear, or the screen gets in your way, email hello@trlibrary.com. It helps to include where you were, which way you drove the loop, and what phone you used.

Email feedback